Best Camping in and near Patoka Lake

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Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.

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Stay at a public campground in Patoka Lake

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Patoka Lake Campground

445 sites · RVs, Tents In Patoka Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Patoka Lake

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Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN

We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64

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Sleeping Bear Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · French Lick, IN

Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.

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Hill Springs Campground

14 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Dubois, IN

Hill Springs Campground sits on our 120-acre family farm. Our primitive campground is in the middle of 'God's country' as we are miles from the nearest town but very close to local attractions. Patoka Lake, historic towns, and hiking, and are just a few activities to keep you busy. Please read our reviews and book your slice of heaven with us.

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MoonLight Grove Farm

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Battletown, KY

Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty. Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.

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Blue River Retreat

9 sites · Tents2 acres · Fredericksburg, IN

Welcome to our primitive campground on the beautiful Blue River! We have 2 acres of riverfront property at the end of a dead end road at the Crawford/Washington County line. Nice and secluded, we have the perfect place to getaway. There is river access for swimming and fishing or you can rent a canoe or kayak from us for a little paddling around. We provide picnic tables and fire rings. Firewood can be purchased from us for an additional cost. Our grounds are fairly flat with plenty of tree cover. If you enjoy hammock camping, our trees are perfect for that! Wildlife is abundant in the area; deer, otter, eagles, raccoons, and beaver are likely to be seen year round. If you are looking for activities nearby you will find Old Mill Canoe Rental in Fredericksburg (15 min drive), Marengo Cave (15 min drive), Beck's Mill (20 min drive), Buffalo Trace Park (25 min drive), as well as many other attractions in nearby Corydon, Salem, and Paoli.

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Nighthawk Forest

1 site · Tent65 acres · Paoli, IN

Nestled deep in Hoosier National Forest and just a short drive from Paoli and French Lick, Indiana, Nighthawk Forest offers a secluded and pristine outdoor experience for all camping enthusiasts! Situated on 65 hilly and wooded acres, Nighthawk Forest features well-groomed tent pads, water and electric hookups for RVs and even vintage campers. Enjoy breathtaking walks in the woods, go fishing in our pond, and set up your camp chairs under the incredible night sky and marvel under the majesty of the Milky Way! Take a hike or a mountain bike ride on the Springs Valley Trail down to Tucker Lake. Come see what it’s like to be treated like family at Nighthawk Forest Campground. For more camping options - including group reservations - please visit our website at https://roam.camp/nighthawk-forest or call 812-203-0200.

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Doe Valley

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Paoli, IN

We have 17 acres of mostly woods but enough open land for some fruit trees and sheep pasture.

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Our Haven Nature Sanctuary

21 sites · RVs, Tents175 acres · French Lick, IN

Check us out at OurHaven.life! Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana's countryside is Our Haven, an 175 acre nature sanctuary of beautiful deciduous forests and reclaimed fields for all who wish to come enjoy its clear creeks, natural springs, and secluded areas. Our Haven has both private large areas as well as intimate small areas available for you and your group's or event's use. A lot of hard work by some very special people have enabled us to offer a magical place to come relax, recharge, gather with old friends, make new ones, or just have a good excuse to get away. While the camping is primitive in setting, a shower house with hot water -- beautifully crafted from rough-hewn lumber -- is available. as well as fresh drinking water and toilet facilities. We have more fire pits on the main field than most campgrounds do in their entire facility and plenty of firewood to go with them! Experience freedom in designated clothing-optional areas or times, always respecting others' space and choices. Refresh yourself with hot co-ed showers and access to fresh drinking water, including a wheelchair-friendly shower for ease. Gather around our scattered firepits in the camping fields for warmth and community. Embark on immersive trails of picturesque deciduous forests and reclaimed fields. Dive into the bliss of our refreshing, secluded skinny-dipping creek, a hidden oasis for those seeking a liberating and natural escape. Embrace spiritual exploration, if you so wish, at dedicated shrines honoring Pan, Brigid, Aphrodite, Ancestral Spirits, and the Great Goddess. We are welcoming of all positive spiritual paths! With a family-friendly ambiance, children under 13 enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Children are welcome to join us in honoring tradition and forging connections, but must be in bed by 10PM when the entire grounds become clothing optional. We offer a membership with lots of perks, but you don't need it to come camp, hike, skinny-dip, or attend events. Book your firepit today and we'll be sure to welcome you home when you're all set-up!

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Lost River Hostel

18 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.

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Little Blue Horse Camp

1 site · Tent2 acres · Grantsburg, IN

Enjoy some serenity in our little piece of heaven on the Little Blue River. A unique retreat, with access to the river, areas to explore, rock features, water falls and a ton of nature. We ask that you respect all the surrounding wildlife and plant life-- we are also a preservation space. Learn more about this land: Enjoy sleeping and waking to the serene sounds of the lazy Little Blue River and enjoy comforts of a cozy campground, nestled on private land in the Hoosier National Forest.

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Fairhaven Farm Campground

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · English, IN

Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!

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Carefree Sister's Sleepover

1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Leavenworth, IN

Our 6 acre property is a small, simple place to sleep for a night or a weekend while you're traveling through. No fancy frills, just a quiet, pretty place to pitch a tent or park your camper for an evening or two. During the eclipse this weekend, we are at 99.95% totality. Only 3.2 miles north of Exit 92 (Carefree exit with a Love's Truckstop), this is the perfect place to stop over while traveling. Both my sister and I travel solo and with friends and having affordable place to park your vehicle or pitch a tent with a place to go to the restroom, gaze at the stars, and have a campfire makes cross country trips more enjoyable. Our land has a gorgeous nighttime view of the stars on the front half, and the back half is wooded and boarders a creek. At night, you can watch the soft glow of the Milky Way climb across the sky or sit by a campfire. There is a cleared walking path from the front of the land to the creek at the back so you can sit for a while and enjoy the sound of the running water 11 months a year (the creek is very low in August). You can't drive back there, but you could pitch your tent in the flat area by the creek. If you stay for a few days, we are: 5 miles to the Louisville Astronomical Society's Dark Sky viewing location, 6.1 miles to Wyandotte Park 7.8 miles to Marengo Cave 8.6 miles Cave Country Canoe 6.6 miles Rothrocks Mill Public Access to Blue River NOTE: This property is completely off grid. We have an enclosed Thetford Cassette toilet and hand sanitizer on the porch of the little yellow cabin in a green privacy tent. A gas fire ring. This place is very safe, but I always like to be near the road when I travel solo. You might choose to park a little further in, and that is fine, but the topography goes downhill (literally) toward the back of the field. You are welcome to park by our little tiny house if your vehicle is safe to do so. Be aware that this road is gravel and in the spring, it can be muddy if there has been a lot of rain! Remember, we are in the country. :) Our neighbors have cows and they talk to each other during the day. You might hear dogs in the distance, as farmers often have dogs. There is a friendly slow-moving elderly, quiet, yellow lab dog who sometimes shows up for rump scratches. I don't know his name, but he waddles around for a few minutes then wanders off. Super friendly, even to dogs who are skittish. In the summer, you will hear birds, crickets, and cicadas, so if nature sounds annoy you, this might not be the place for ya! We love this little get away and we think it is perfect for a safe, simple, and affordable place to stay while you are on the road. :) If you have any questions, reach out! While you are here, please feel free to message us if you need something or have questions. We are happy to help and if we aren't sleeping, we will respond as soon as possible! For special groups that plan in advance: My little sister is a Wilderness EMT and has taught Survival courses for over 10 years. It might be fun to get a group of friends together and take a small group weekend course on the property where you'd learn how to build a fire, make simple shelters, walk slack lines, orient, and learn what to do if you are lost in the woods (and/or how to teach children what to do if they are lost in the woods), among other things. I have a telescope and for those groups, I can set up the telescope for you to see stars and planets. Other options include a rest and reflection weekend, group yoga weekends, and group sound baths. If these options interest you, reach out in advance.

The best camping near Patoka Lake guide

Overview

About

Find tons of outdoor activities at this lake thanks to 8,800 acres of water and 26,000 acres total. Marinas, resort areas, and small towns near the lake offer modern amenities.

Catch several types of fish here. The state stocks this lake with plenty of bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, redear, and walleye. Check out the annual GarDaze festival, when fishing celebrities come out and fish the lake.

Put your boat in at one of 10 boat ramps. Then, head out for some water skiing, fishing, or just a leisurely day on the lake. Dock your boat for the night at one of the marinas.

Trek along the many hiking and biking trails near the lake. The main trail is 6.5 miles, and it features Totem Rock. Native Americans and early European settlers used the rock as a shelter for hundreds of years. A dedicated cross country skiing course is open when it snows.

Reserve one of 500 campsites scattered about the lake. There are 455 campsites with electric and 45 rustic sites.

Notable campgrounds

Electric Sites - With 455 sites available, these electric campsites offer convenience for RVs and tents amid the park's natural beauty.
Primitive Sites - For a more secluded adventure, the 45 primitive sites provide a serene camping experience under the stars.
Dumping Station - An essential facility for campers, ensuring a comfortable and environmentally friendly stay.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your preferred spot, as sites fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Patoka Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be cold, with some activities like swimming not available.

Know before you go

Check for any alerts on blue-green algae and adhere to water safety guidelines.
Accessibility is a priority, with plans for a new raptor center to enhance educational experiences.
Remember to shower after swimming in the lake to ensure your safety.
Take advantage of the interpretive programs to enrich your visit with local wildlife and cultural insights.
Always stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your own safety.